The reality of build dates for the TP!!

reyrey127 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 11:28 AM

I have read a few threads stating that build dates do not accurately represent the quality of the phone. I want to say that in my personal experience it does. Also many (not all) people here who have later build dates tend to be more happy with their phones due to the lack of issues many have listed. I think if i paid 300 for a phone not including taxes, I deserve a quality built phone. Not one with gaps, crooked keyboard, etc. and so forth.

Then again maybe I am just that nit picky about my things, which I admit, I am. Hell I don't even use my hands to touch my food when I eat it. Utensils only.

So I have to agree that from what I have read and experienced, the later the build dates the better made the phone will be. Of course there are those that may argue with me, but I just want to say that there are always those that never find problems since they aren't looking for them, whereas I look seem to always have problems with everything I purchase maybe because I look for them, who knows.

But I think that if you do have an issue, whether it be cosmetic or functionality, you have every right (within 30 days) to exchange the phone until you are content.

Please let me know your thoughts and your build dates. Thanks.

Rey

**dschoenike** · #2 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 12:12 PM

Greetings. I find the idea of build dates having anything to do with the quality of the device very interesting, and kinda scary. I understand its a fairly common problem regarding electronics (gaming consles, phones, etc..) but it sure makes it feel like getting a quality device is all luck of the draw. Regarding the build dates on these touch pros, what do you consider a "later" build date? Mine is 12-27-08 and i could not be any happier with it. It's solid, not creaky, bright screen, and keys are flush. But i've read people having issues with new phones than mine, and people happy with theirs that were built in October. I guess it almost seems like there's no rhyme or reason with which phones will be solid, or which will feel flimsy. Be kinda interesting to see a list of peoples reviews/complaints following a build date. Like, 12-27-08= solid, no issues, blah blah blah 11-06-08= cracked chrome, keys peeling up, blah blah blah.
Sorry for rambling on, but like i said, i think its kinda scary that getting a decent touch pro isn't necessarily a given.
dschoenike

**kyrumo** · #3 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 12:15 PM

I've had 3 Touch Pro's and yes the newer the build date the better the build quality

**Darkjedi** · #4 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reyrey127

I have read a few threads stating that build dates do not accurately represent the quality of the phone. I want to say that in my personal experience it does. Also many (not all) people here who have later build dates tend to be more happy with their phones due to the lack of issues many have listed. I think if i paid 300 for a phone not including taxes, I deserve a quality built phone. Not one with gaps, crooked keyboard, etc. and so forth.

Then again maybe I am just that nit picky about my things, which I admit, I am. Hell I don't even use my hands to touch my food when I eat it. Utensils only.

So I have to agree that from what I have read and experienced, the later the build dates the better made the phone will be. Of course there are those that may argue with me, but I just want to say that there are always those that never find problems since they aren't looking for them, whereas I look seem to always have problems with everything I purchase maybe because I look for them, who knows.

But I think that if you do have an issue, whether it be cosmetic or functionality, you have every right (within 30 days) to exchange the phone until you are content.

Please let me know your thoughts and your build dates. Thanks.

Rey

Agree completely. I think the build quality got upped drastically at around late December, it seems that less people are complaining. Of course there are also those unlucky Dec folk that still got shafted with poor build quality, but those who are unhappy are usually more vocal that those who are satisfied.

**kyrumo** · #5 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 12:20 PM

The fit and finish is alot better in regards to the button panel and the screen

reyrey127 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 04:33 PM

There is a thread on here that talks about the build dates and their quality but it stopped at 12/18/08. I don't have the link but I used the "search" sorry... I really don't know what the link is, I am not trying to be snotty and telling you to use the "search" button. I really don't know it, since I read it like 4 days ago.

Anyways, I hope I get a better built phone today. I am driving exactly 1.5 hours to the next best buy to get a newer phone. I am jus that crazy I suppose. I can't stand these sub-par phones I have been getting.

If you agree with me and you would do the same please THANK me...

**Dr.8820** · #7 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 04:38 PM

here's the thread i gave you the other day....http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread...ro+build+dates

Anonymatt · #8 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 09:46 AM

While I think it is fairly obvious (and well known) that in all electronic devices, the later the build date, the better the device will likely be. Think of it like they've had more time to practice their manufacturing technique, and so while their first batch may have had 20 bad units out of 100, the next batch might only have 19, etc. With that said, even some of the newer build dates are still going to have issues, since they'll never get the procedure perfect (or at least by the time it would take them to perfect one device, they've already moved onto a newer generation device).

That's the price of being an early adopter, though. When I buy electronics I usually try to wait a few months before purchasing, just to wait for a company to be able to get feedback on their first few batches, and implement any changes into their newer batches. Again, it'll never be perfect, though.

By the way, my manufacture date is 11/07/09, with "Hardware Version: 002". My "issues" (that I don't really care about) are chipped chrome on the corners (only cosmetic...I haven't shaved in 3 days so you can tell how much I care about cosmetics), I suppose a squeaky battery cover (I have to push it hard, and in just the right way, for it to annoy me, and trust me, I'm really anal about squeaks and annoying things like that). My REAL issues are the battery not charging while on a long phone/data call (especially using Sprint Navigator), and crappy reception, but those seem to be issues that all Touch Pros have, no matter the build date (at least on Sprint...). Other than that, for my "mid-range" build date, I don't have any problems.

(Off topic, but why do people beg for "Thanks"? Especially when they don't actually give any help or advice, but just state their opinion? Do "Thanks" actually account for anything, other than giving you better reputation which...well I still don't really understand the benefit of the system other than to see who the respected members of the community are, but if you read the boards enough that's pretty easy to figure out by yourself...dunno, sorry for the rant, just curious)

miguelfp1 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 01:42 PM

I have a Touch Pro from the first batch, ordered from TeleSales on the morning of October 30th, and I don't have any problems with it, no chrome chipping, no screen/buttons/keyboard problems, am I really that lucky!?

**Darkjedi** · #10 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miguelfp1

I have a Touch Pro from the first batch, ordered from TeleSales on the morning of October 30th, and I don't have any problems with it, no chrome chipping, no screen/buttons/keyboard problems, am I really that lucky!?

The guy who made yours must've been new and not gotten the memo yet about purposely ruining the phones.